Making a caber...

[lythander]

I've got a nice straight 21' trunk from (I think) a leyland cypress. Can I turn this into at least a decent caber for practice, and if so, what weight/length should I aim for? Does the diameter of the trunk matter?

Thanks,

Rob

[FrankH]

Really depends on your ability. Cabers range mostly from about 15-21 feet, and from (for men) 75-150 pounds.

Some very approximate ballpark numbers:

Pro caber: 19-21 feet and 135-150 pounds.
Super A caber: 18-21 feet and 115-130 pounds.
A caber: 17-21 feet and 100-115 pounds.
B caber: 15-19 feet and 75-100 pounds.
Masters Caber: About the same as a B caber, maybe 5-10 pounds heavier.
Ladies caber: 12-16 feet and 45-65 pounds.

Cabers on the shorter side should weigh on the heavier side; straight cabers are harder to turn than tapered cabers.

I'd start with the full 21 feet and see how you like it; if you have to cut it down, do it in small (maybe 4") increments until you can pull about 60 degrees on it. You don't want it so light that you can turn it until you have practiced with it for a while. The diameter doesn't matter too much; you want the little end to fit your hands, so if it's more than 5" or so you might have to trim it down some. Just my HO.

[lythander]

Many thanks! Looks like I have a weekend project...